It’s also worth noting that co-op cannot be played locally. No split-screen here. It’s internet or bust, which is also kind of disappointing. Frankly, I just don’t think that the internet community for this game will be very large. Inviting a couple friends over to partake in some wacky transformers shooting would be fun, but local co-opers are just left in the dark here.

The only real replay value that the game has comes in the form of gearboxes. You get these by completing optional missions over the course of the game. These missions are usually small restrictions like “use melee attacks only.” You open them and, like a prize box, you will get a random costume or power-up. This randomness really only serves to pad out your attempts to complete the game 100% but if you don’t particularly care about character skins or upgrades for co-op mode, then you’ll pretty much just ignore these.

I would say that Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark was a disappointment, but that would mean I expected something from it, and I didn’t. This is just another movie tie in title, and nothing much more. It tries to tie in the original cartoons, the movies, and the video games, but it fails. It just feels like a corny fanfiction crossover plot painted over a mediocre third person shooter. If you are a huge fan of the Transformers, it wouldn’t be the worst thing to add this to your collection, especially since it’s being offered at budget price on last gen consoles. However, you’ll finish the single-player in a day and co-op only goes so far. So even if you do enjoy it, it will likely end up collecting dust on your shelf before long.

ByAngelo M. D'Argenio
Contributing Writer
Date: June 24, 2014

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.0

GraphicsThe game has the Michael Bay problem of everything looking like jumbled pieces of metal.

3.0

ControlThe controls are basic: run, shoot, aim, nothing more.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice ActingThe voice actors do a good job, but the soundtrack is unremarkable.

2.5

Play ValueYou can play it in a day and forget it.

2.7

Overall Rating - AverageNot an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend

0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid

2.5 - 2.9 = Average

3.5 - 3.9 = Good

4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy

2.0 - 2.4 = Poor

3.0 - 3.4 = Fair

4.0 - 4.4 = Great

5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Go Beyond the Movie: For the first time ever, fight your way through both Earth and Cybertron universes in an unforgettable battle to secure the Dark Spark.

Over 40 Playable Characters: Including Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron.

Change Form Anytime: Switch between robot and vehicle form on the fly.